Public Speaking 101

Leadership Mini Series

A Student Leadership Discussion Series
Be sure to take a look at the notes section
below each slide for more information and
links to video examples and other online
resources.
Why is Public Speaking
an Important Skill to Have?
Public speaking is a great life skill to have as it
is necessary in many different areas.
● Class projects
● Job/internship presentations
● Club/organization meetings or events
● Speech at a family gathering such as a wedding,
birthday, anniversary, etc.
 10 Ways to Improve
Your Public Speaking Skills
1.Watch the Experts
Watch clips from great public speakers and
find out what they do right. Pick up on their
posture, tone, volume, hand gestures, eye
contact, attire, any audio/visual aids,
message, and more!
2.Dress to Impress
Be sure to look the part. Know your audience
and don’t fall short of their expectations. If it
is a formal event, be sure to look the part.
Remember it is always best to overdress than
to underdress.
3.Visit the Space Before Presenting
Get to know the space that you will be
presenting in. Test out any audio and visual
aids that you will be using.
4.Know Your Material
Be sure to have a strong knowledge base for
the material that you are covering. This will
be helpful if a question arises about the topic.

Also, know your presentation! Know the

content and order of your slides.
5.Content
There are 6 C’s to consider:
● clear ● coherent
● concise ● complete
● concrete ● correct

Tip:
Try to share one thing no one knows
6.Body Language and Personality
● Watch yourself in the mirror when you are
practicing or record yourself on camera. Be
aware of your body language, what is it
conveying to your audience?
● Let your personality shine through! Some
speakers find it useful to share a personal
story that is relevant and appropriate.
7.Practice, Practice, Practice
Run through your presentation on your own.
Pay attention to your:
● Voice- Tone, inflection, volume, speed,
pauses
● Filler Words- ‘um,’ ‘you know,’ ‘like’
● Areas of difficulty in your presentation
8.Get Feedback
Share your presentation with a friend,
classmate, professor, or anyone who is willing
to give you feedback. Adjust your presentation
with their feedback and then get feedback
again.
9.Prepare for the Unexpected
Are you ready for:
● No Internet ● Forgot handouts
● Lost PowerPoint ● Lost index cards
● Cell phone ringing ● Too many questions
● Late entrance
● Different size audience than expected
10.Do’s and Don’ts
Do: Don’t:
● Always repeat ● make excuses
audience questions ● read your slides or
● Give audiences verbatim from notes
something to walk ● defer answering
away with questions
● Respect your
● overload your slides
audience’s time
Your Turn!
Take your next presentation and practice in
front of the mirror. Implement some of the
suggestions from this presentation and
improve your public speaking skills!
 Sources

http://www.mindtools.com/CommSkll/PublicSpeaking.htm
http://www.inc.com/ss/jeff-haden/20-public-speaking-tips-best-ted-talks#0
http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newCS_85.htm
http://money.howstuffworks.com/18-tips-for-public-speaking.htm#page=0

Click on the hyperlinks above to view the specific article.